Overview

The Town has developed a draft Community Partnership Policy, which proposes a new approach to supporting local groups, sporting clubs, not-for-profit organisations and community initiatives.

The draft Community Partnership Policy replaces the existing Donations Policy, which was adopted in 2004 and no longer reflects contemporary community expectations. The proposed Policy introduces a more transparent, consistent and outcomes-focused framework that encourages partnership, collaboration and shared responsibility in delivering projects that benefit the Cottesloe community.

Community feedback received during this consultation period will inform the final policy before it is presented to Council for consideration at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 24 November 2026.

Local organisations and community members are invited to review the proposed Policy and complete the feedback survey by 3 November 2026.

View draft Community Partnership Policy

Feedback

Have Your Say

We want to hear from community groups, sporting clubs, previous grant recipients and residents about the proposed approach.

Please complete the survey and provide your input by 5.00pm on 3 November 2026.

Take Survey

SUPPORTIVE PARTNERSHIP

The Town encourages collaboration and shared responsibility through co-contributions and partnerships.

TWO ROUNDS OF FUNDING
Applications will be open in January and July each year.

GREATER TRANSPARENCY Successful applicants must demonstrate the outcomes of projects.

A Partnership Approach

The proposed Community Partnership Policy moves beyond a traditional donations model towards a shared approach between the Town and community.

The Town wants to work with local groups and organisations to support projects, events and initiatives that deliver positive social, environmental, cultural, recreational and economic outcomes.

Support from the Town may include:

financial grants
donations or sponsorship
in-kind support
waiver or reduction of eligible Town fees and charges
use of Town facilities, equipment or resources

Applicants will also be encouraged to contribute to their project through funding, volunteer time, donated goods or services, partnerships or other resources.

This shared approach is intended to make available Town funding go further and support greater community participation and outcomes.

Two Funding Rounds Each Year

Rather than relying on one annual funding opportunity, applications are proposed to open twice each year, in January and July.

This will provide greater flexibility for community organisations and allow the Town to respond to initiatives and opportunities arising at different times throughout the year.

Greater Transparency and Accountability

Applications will be assessed against clear eligibility and assessment criteria.

Successful applicants will be required to use funding for the approved purpose and report on what was delivered and the community outcomes achieved.

This will help ensure public funds are used responsibly and enable the Town to better understand and communicate the impact of its community investment.

Clearer Priorities

Funding will be directed towards initiatives that demonstrate community benefit and contribute to the priorities of the Council Plan 2023–2033.

Opportunities may include projects supporting:

Disability Access and Inclusion
Initiatives that improve participation, accessibility and inclusion for people of all abilities.
Reconciliation and Cultural Awareness
Projects that support reconciliation, cultural understanding, diversity and inclusion.
Youth Development and Participation
Programs and initiatives that promote youth engagement, leadership, wellbeing and participation.
Health and Community Wellbeing
Projects that improve health outcomes, social connection, active lifestyles and community wellbeing.
Environmental Sustainability and Climate Action
Initiatives that support environmental stewardship, biodiversity, waste reduction, climate resilience, urban greening and sustainability education.
Community Connection and Participation
Programs, activities and events that strengthen community networks, encourage volunteering and increase community participation.
Community Events and Partnerships
Events and initiatives that foster civic pride, encourage visitation, support community connection and contribute to the Town's Events Framework objectives.